Introduction
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and al dente pasta in a rich, creamy sauce. This dish is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this pasta dish is sure to please everyone at the table. The balance of protein from the chicken, nutrients from the broccoli, and the comforting texture of the pasta makes it a well-rounded meal that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparing the Ingredients
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Drain the pasta and broccoli, then set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining Everything
- Toss the Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, and broccoli to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken and Broccoli Pasta hot, either as a main course or alongside a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
- Pasta Choice: While penne is a great option for this dish, you can easily substitute it with other pasta types like fettuccine, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Cooking Chicken Evenly: To ensure your chicken cooks evenly, try to cut the chicken breasts into uniform-sized pieces. This helps prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out or add more vegetables. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach would make great additions to this dish.
- Make it Lighter: If you’re looking to lighten up the sauce, you can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a combination of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy meal to adapt for dietary needs.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works well in this recipe. Simply skip the step where you cook the chicken and add your pre-cooked chicken to the skillet when you’re ready to combine everything.
Q2: Can I prepare Chicken and Broccoli Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce.
Q3: Can I freeze Chicken and Broccoli Pasta?
While you can freeze this dish, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon reheating. If you do decide to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q4: How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes or a tablespoon of pesto for a different twist.
Q5: Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Mozzarella, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese can be added to the sauce for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is not just another pasta dish—it’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce makes it an instant favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple preparation and delicious results, Chicken and Broccoli Pasta is a dish you’ll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Enjoy!